#Easy #20Minute #Air #Fryer #Turkey #Burgers
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Let’s talk about turkey burgers – but not just any turkey burgers. These air fryer turkey burgers have become my go-to dinner option when I want something that’s both good for me and satisfying. I used to think turkey burgers were just the boring cousin of regular hamburgers, but that was before I discovered how amazing they taste when made in the air fryer.
Making burgers in the air fryer isn’t just easier – it’s also less messy than pan-frying or grilling. No more oil splatters to clean up or standing over a hot grill. Just pop them in, set the timer, and dinner’s practically done. Plus, these turkey burgers come out juicy on the inside with a nice outer crust that reminds me of restaurant-style burgers.
Whether you’re trying to eat a bit healthier or just want to switch things up for dinner tonight, these air fryer turkey burgers might become your new favorite too. I serve them with all the classic burger toppings, and honestly, my family doesn’t even miss the beef version anymore.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Burgers
- Quick and easy – These turkey burgers come together in just 20-30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy protein option – Made with lean ground turkey and packed with spinach, these burgers are a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers while still being filling and satisfying.
- Mediterranean flavors – The combination of feta cheese, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables gives these burgers a delicious Greek-inspired twist that’s more exciting than your average burger.
- Air fryer convenience – Using the air fryer means less mess than pan-frying or grilling, plus you’ll get perfectly cooked burgers with a nice outer crust every time.
- Customizable toppings – You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste – swap out the tzatziki for Greek yogurt, add extra vegetables, or skip the bun for a low-carb option.
What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?
For turkey burgers, the lean-to-fat ratio makes a big difference in how your burgers turn out. The 93/7 blend (93% lean meat, 7% fat) is ideal because it gives you the perfect balance – lean enough to be healthy but with enough fat to keep your burgers juicy. While you could use 99% lean turkey, your burgers might end up a bit dry. On the flip side, using darker meat turkey with a higher fat content (like 85/15) will give you juicier burgers, but they might shrink more during cooking. Whatever blend you choose, make sure your ground turkey is fresh and hasn’t been frozen and thawed multiple times, as this can affect both texture and flavor.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Ground turkey: You can swap the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef (90/10). If using chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach both work great here. You can also use kale or Swiss chard – just make sure to chop them finely. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess water before mixing.
- Feta cheese: If you’re not a feta fan, try crumbled goat cheese or even grated parmesan. For a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Brioche buns: Any burger buns work well – try whole wheat buns for extra fiber, or go bunless and serve on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Tzatziki: Plain Greek yogurt works great as a simple swap. You can also mix mayo with a bit of diced cucumber and garlic for a quick substitute.
- Toppings: Feel free to switch up the veggie toppings based on what you have – avocado, sprouts, or pickled onions all taste great here.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge with turkey burgers is preventing them from drying out – avoid overworking the meat when mixing ingredients, as this can lead to dense, tough patties that lack the juicy texture we’re after. Another common mistake is not preheating your air fryer, which can result in uneven cooking and burgers that stick to the basket – give it a quick 3-minute preheat at 375°F and lightly spray the basket with oil before adding your patties. Making an indent in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking helps prevent them from puffing up in the middle, ensuring even cooking throughout. For the best results, resist the urge to constantly flip the burgers – one flip halfway through cooking is enough, and always let them rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to keep all those tasty juices locked inside.
What to Serve With Turkey Burgers?
These Mediterranean-inspired turkey burgers pair perfectly with both classic burger sides and lighter options that complement their Greek flavors. A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives makes a natural companion, while sweet potato fries or regular fries from the air fryer keep that nice crispy texture going. For a lighter option, try a quinoa tabbouleh salad or some grilled zucchini and bell peppers seasoned with the same Mediterranean spices. If you’re keeping things casual, a handful of kettle-cooked chips or a scoop of classic potato salad works great too!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These turkey burgers will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the cooked patties separate from the buns and toppings to keep everything fresh. The buns can stay at room temperature in their bag for a few days.
Freeze: You can freeze the uncooked patties by placing parchment paper between each one and storing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For cooked patties, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag – they’ll keep for about 2 months.
Warm Up: To enjoy your leftover turkey burgers, pop them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first. Add your fresh toppings and tzatziki after reheating for the best taste and texture.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
- 5 cups spinach, fresh (frozen is also an option)
- 42 grams crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese (or regular feta)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- A sprinkle of paprika
- 4 brioche buns
- Cucumber slices
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Tzatziki or plain greek yogurt for topping
- Optional: fresh lemon juice drizzle
Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Spinach
Start by microwaving your spinach in a bowl for about one minute until it cooks down.
Alternatively, you can cook it on the stovetop if you prefer.
Once cooked, wrap the spinach in a towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
If using frozen spinach, follow the same steps to ensure all excess water is removed.
Step 2: Mix the Turkey Burger Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach with the ground turkey and your choice of seasonings to create the turkey burger mixture.
The mixture will feel quite loose due to the lean nature of the ground turkey, but this is normal.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking.
Divide the ground turkey mixture into four equal-sized pieces.
Gently form each piece into a ball in your hands and place two of them in your air fryer basket.
Press them into a burger shape inside the air fryer.
It’s easiest to form the burgers directly in the air fryer basket since the mixture can be delicate.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey Burgers
Air fry the turkey burgers at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
Be aware that cooking time may vary based on your air fryer, the fat content of the turkey, and the size of the burgers.
My air fryer fits two patties, so I cooked in two batches; adjust according to your air fryer’s capacity.
Step 5: Toast the Brioche Buns
While the turkey burgers are cooking, lightly toast your brioche buns.
Place them in a stovetop pan over medium heat and toast them to your desired level of crispness.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve the Turkey Burgers
Once the turkey burgers are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them onto the toasted brioche buns.
Top each burger with sliced cucumber, red onion, tomato, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy turkey burgers!
